Badminton Horse Trials
Sorry you missed it… we are no longer accepted registration for this event.
April 29 depart (arrive London April 30), return May 8, 2017
We have long enjoyed the Badminton Horse Trials and have taken quite a number of clients there over the years. Having had the experience, I think we put together a very nice program, I hope that as you read it, you will agree.
After our usual three nights in London, enjoying the sights, perhaps a night at the theater and the museums and shops, we will travel this year via Oxford, enjoying a walking tour of this delightful university city. Then to Blenheim Palace, home to the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Winston Churchill. Finally, a stop at Churchill’s humble grave nearby before we continue to the Mayfield House and the Badminton Horse Trials. Having been here a number of times, we know enough to find a hotel north of M4, avoiding the traffic jams on Saturday & Sunday!
Saturday, April 29: Usual U.S. Departure Day for London
Those traveling from the U.S. will depart today. We recommend flights into and out of Heathrow.
Sunday, April 30: Welcome to London
After the usual customs formalities, transfer into central London. You will find several options. The Heathrow Express train is non-stop to Paddington Station in 15-20 minutes. With two or more people, I would suggest Heathrow Airport Taxi (pre-reserve on line).
On arrival at the St Ermin’s Hotel, check in and relax. Light meals are available in the lounge and there are several pubs in the neighborhood. You will also find Green Park and Piccadilly area shops and restaurants nearby. Join us for drinks this evening in the Caxton Bar prior to dinner.
Monday, May 1: London sightseeing at your leisure
Breakfast buffet is included each day of our program. Day tickets will be provided for you to enjoy sightseeing of London and its principle sights at your leisure on the Open Top Bus Tour shuttle which will take you around London, allowing you to get on and off at the various stops as you wish. (We have had excellent comments on this service).
Tuesday, May 2: Free time in London
The day is free to enjoy. If you haven’t seen it, don’t miss the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and the Horse Guard at Whitehall, both within easy walking distance. From there, you are a short walk from Piccadilly and the Tube lines to take you throughout London. Enjoy your day. Those wishing to enjoy an evening of London theatre should purchase tickets in advance. There are a number of on-line ticketing agencies. London is a great place to see a musical or play.
Wednesday, May 3: Oxford & Blenheim Palace
Depart London for Gloucestershire today. We think adding some side visits to our programs make them just a tad more interesting, so our route today will take us to the University town of Oxford, where we can enjoy a walking of the town, home to the oldest university in the English speaking world, as well as to Lewis Carroll, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R Tolkien and Chief Inspector Morse.
On arrival have a walking tour of the lovely town, with a visit to one of the colleges and later time for lunch. Then on to nearby Blenheim Palace, the home of the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Winston Churchill. The magnificent home was a gift to the first Duke of Marlborough, reward for his victories over the French.
After our visit here and some time to enjoy the gardens, continue to our accommodations at the Mayfield House Hotel. Dinner is included throughout our stay here. This evening gather for a drink in the bar.
Thursday, May 4: Badminton Dressage begins
To Badminton this morning, private home to the Dukes of Beaufort, Masters of the Beaufort Hunt. During the horse trials we will enjoy Member’s Privileges, with access to a restricted area which includes dining with a variety of offers, several bars, closed circuit television and a garden area overlooking the arena. When you have time, the shops at Badminton are extensive.
We have selected our accommodations because of the ease of travel each day to and from Badminton. On most days the journey will be approximately 20 minutes. I might suggest that on one of the dressage days, when everyone is not too tired, we stop for a time in Malmesbury, a delightful village, not far from our hotel.
Friday, May 5: Badminton Dressage & the Beaufort Kennels
Return to Badminton this morning as dressage continues. We will be requesting a visit to the Beaufort Kennels, with an introduction to the hounds. During one of the dressage days, those who wish can gather for a course walk.
Saturday, May 6: Cross Country Day
Departure today to be settled on cross country well in advance of the first horse on course. The Badminton course has always been one of the most challenging, going back to its beginning in 1949. You will find refreshment tents on the course and you can always watch important rides in the Members tent. The course will start and end in the main Grandstand, where there will be open seating.
Sunday, May 7: Horse Inspection, Special Presentations & Final Show Jumping & Prizes
If the police are allowing traffic to depart Badminton this morning, we will have an early coach departure for those wishing to take in the Horse inspection as well as a later departure. In addition to the Show Jumping, there will be special presentations, band performances and a presentation of the Beaufort Hounds.
This evening we gather for a farewell reception prior to dinner.
Monday, May 8: Depart for Heathrow & Home
We have an early start today to get us to Heathrow in time for 9:30 (or later) flights. We are requesting that the hotel have a light breakfast available for us, so that you will be somewhat fortified before we depart. Those departing from Gatwick should plan on a two hour transfer from Heathrow.
Costs per person: $2,895 twin or double basis; $3,695 single basis
Program includes: 3 Nights London with breakfast daily, 1 reception & dinner; 5 nights Hotel Mayfield with 2 receptions as well as breakfast & dinner daily; London sightseeing, admissions and sightseeing as outlined, admission and Member’s privileges at the Badminton Horse Trials and seating for dressage & show jumping; transfers, transportation as outlined and services of an Equestrian Tours host.
